They may not be running backs, linebackers, or safties, but these girls know how to hit -- and they aren't afraid of contact.
'A lot of people told me...'Oh, you're too sweet to do something like that. How do you even do that? How do you just go up to someone and tackle them?’” said Senior tighthead prop Monica Jackson. “But it's fun. I love it,' she concluded.
The men’s team receives most of the publicity, but the BYU women's rugby is also one of the best teams in the nation.
The Lady Cougars reached the Final Four last year and are lighting up scoreboards in record-setting fashion this season. They average 67 points per game and even scored 114 in a rout of Utah State to start the year.
The players credit their unique beliefs and team unity for the success of the program.
'The fact that we have a unique bond...is through the gospel, and we have friendships that we've formed on the team,” said Senior wing Rebekah Siebach. “We play for each other. We work hard off of each other. We want to achieve and to become the best team that we can be.'
Assistant Coach Kara Remington says it's an addictive sport you can't get enough of.
'It's a great sport, a sport that just grabs you and it hooks you,” said Coach Remington. “I've played sports my whole life, and it didn't take me long to get addicted to rugby.'
Male or female, it's a sport everyone can enjoy.
The Lady Cougars look to keep their unbeaten streak alive when they jet off to play conference foe Colorado State October 27th. Visit www.byuwomensrugby.com to learn how you can support the team on another run to the Final Four this season.